England defeats Germany thanks to penalty in extra time (Video)
By Mike Dyce
England bounced back from a heartbreaking loss to defeat Germany and finish third at the 2015 Women’s World Cup.
The England women’s soccer team bounced back from a heartbreaking loss to beat Germany and finish in third at the 2015 Women’s World Cup with the help of a penalty in extra time.
In the 108th minute, German defender Tabea Kemme wrapped her arms around England midfielder Lena Goessling, taking her down inside the box. Goessling did a bit of selling by throwing her arms up in the air to sell the foul and draw the referees attention.
England midfielder Fara Williams stepped up to take the penalty against German goal keeper Nadine Angerer, considered arguably the best in the world alongside Hope Solo. Williams beat Angerer to the left, as Angerer dove to the right.
England reached the semifinals of the 2015 Women’s World Cup and were squaring off against Japan, the defending champions, for a spot in the Final. It was a tightly contested game that was deadlocked at a goal apiece and appeared determined to end in a draw, forcing extra time.
Then tragedy struck England, as defender Laura Bassett tried to kick away a pass into the box, the result of which was a beautiful own-goal to the top right corner, ending her team’s dreams of a World Cup win..
England stood by Bassett giving her a spot in the starting line up of their third place game against Germany, the top-ranked team in the world. It paid off for England and Bassett played well.
After the own goal Bassett was understandably distraught. While it isn’t a World Cup Final appearance or win, she did her part in England’s quest for a third place finish and you have to think she feels a little bit better about herself on Saturday.
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